Zesty Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe That Sings with Flavor

Discover a mouthwatering baked lemon butter chicken that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine with minimal effort.

Zesty citrus notes dance alongside rich, golden butter, creating an irresistible aroma in your kitchen.

Delicate chicken breasts absorb these incredible flavors, turning an ordinary meal into something spectacular.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings add depth and complexity to this simple yet elegant dish.

Tender meat emerges from the oven glistening with a luxurious sauce that beckons everyone to the table.

Quick preparation meets stunning results, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking something extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this culinary masterpiece.

Why Everyone Loves Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Bursting with Flavor: A mouthwatering combination of zesty lemon, creamy Parmesan, and aromatic herbs creates an explosion of tastes that will make your taste buds dance.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this chicken recipe requires minimal kitchen skills while delivering restaurant-quality results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Perfect for family dinners or gathering with friends, this dish brings everyone together with its rich, comforting sauce and tender chicken that falls right off the bone.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to create a complete meal that suits multiple dietary preferences and dinner needs.

What Goes Into Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: A succulent protein that serves as the star of this delicious baked dish.

• Butter: Provides a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Onions, Garlic: Add depth and aromatic flavors to the sauce.
• Parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, tangy flavor that complements the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spice.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances the overall savory profile of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty dimension.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.

• Kosher Salt, Smoked Paprika, Montreal Chicken Seasoning: Provide layers of seasoning that enhance the chicken's flavor and create a delicious crust.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting it ready for our delicious chicken adventure.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

In a skillet, melt butter until it’s silky smooth.

• Onions

Sauté until they become wonderfully fragrant and soft.

Step 3: Build Sauce Magic

• Parsley
• Garlic
• Lemon juice
• Red pepper flakes

Step 4: Enhance Sauce Complexity

Pour in chicken stock and blend everything together.

• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream

Let the sauce simmer briefly, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Season Chicken Perfectly

• Kosher salt
• Smoked paprika
• Montreal chicken seasoning

Ensure every piece is well-covered.

Step 6: Arrange In Baking Dish

Transfer seasoned chicken to a baking dish and generously pour the prepared sauce over the top.

Step 7: Slow Roast

Bake uncovered for 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Flip chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 8: Create Golden Crispy Skin

Broil the chicken, focusing on the skin side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 9: Serve With Flair

Baste chicken with extra sauce right before serving. Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Quick Tips For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the most tender and flavorful result.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown skin during broiling.
• Allow the sauce to cool slightly before pouring over chicken to prevent overcooking.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt and reduce butter quantity.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Flavor Options

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace parsley with oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a robust Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Swap Montreal chicken seasoning with Cajun spice blend and add cayenne pepper for a fiery southern-style chicken dish.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Version: Increase garlic quantity, use roasted garlic, and add extra Parmesan cheese for a richer, more intense sauce.
• Citrus Fusion Approach: Incorporate orange and lime zest alongside lemon juice to create a complex, multilayered citrus undertone in the sauce.

What To Serve With Baked Lemon Butter Chicken

• Boost Wine Harmony: Pair this zesty lemon butter chicken with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity complements the dish's tangy citrus notes and cuts through the rich, creamy sauce.
• Craft Herb-Infused Side: Prepare a light Mediterranean couscous salad with fresh parsley, mint, and lemon zest, mirroring the recipe's herbal and citrus undertones while providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Serve roasted asparagus spears with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, echoing the dish's cheesy sauce and offering a crunchy vegetable element that balances the tender chicken.

Storing Baked Lemon Butter Chicken The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Stir sauce midway to distribute heat evenly.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying.

Helpful Answers For Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Fans

• Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but adjust cooking time to prevent drying out. Bone-in chicken typically provides more flavor and moisture.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish, or increase for more kick.

• What type of skillet works best for making the sauce?

A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well. The key is to have a pan that can evenly distribute heat and allow ingredients to simmer smoothly.

• Can I substitute any ingredients in the sauce?

Heavy cream can be replaced with half-and-half or whole milk. Parmesan cheese can be swapped with pecorino romano or asiago for similar rich flavor.

Baked Lemon Butter Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour and 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent “Baked Lemon Butter Chicken” promises a Mediterranean-inspired culinary journey with zesty, tender flavors. Juicy chicken breasts infused with citrus and herbs deliver a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weekend dinners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 10 dark meat chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs, trimmed of excess fat)

Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon Montreal chicken seasoning (or any chicken seasoning blend)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1/2 cup red onion, minced
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a cozy environment for the chicken to roast.
2. Create a flavor foundation by melting butter in a skillet, then gently sautéing onions until they release their aromatic essence.
3. Enhance the sauce with a vibrant blend of fresh parsley, zesty garlic, tangy lemon juice, and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
4. Develop a luxurious sauce by incorporating chicken stock, stirring in creamy Parmesan, and blending with rich heavy cream until silky smooth.
5. Transform the chicken with a robust seasoning blend of kosher salt, smoky paprika, and savory Montreal chicken seasoning, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
6. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a baking dish, then lavishly drench with the prepared herb-infused sauce.
7. Roast uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even cooking and maximize flavor penetration.
8. Activate the broiler to crisp the chicken skin, achieving a golden-brown exterior that promises irresistible texture.
9. Finish by generously basting the chicken with the aromatic sauce just before serving, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the sauce’s creamy texture and adds a subtle tropical hint.
• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, ensuring the meat stays tender during the long baking process.
• Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes after baking to help redistribute juices and prevent dryness, resulting in more succulent meat.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote crispy, golden-brown skin during broiling.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg